One Sandy Fraudster arrested, another remains on the run

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer has announced a Texas man has been arrested and a former resident is on the run for Sandy Fraud.

Prosecutors are looking for information regarding the whereabouts of a former Ocean County resident wanted for sandy fraud.

John Bishop's, 54, last known residence is in Celebration, Florida and "he remains at large."

He allegedly stole approximately $75,000.00 entrusted to him by six homeowners to build or repair Sandy damaged homes.

A complaint warrant was signed for his arrest on November 16, 2018 for second degree theft by failure to make required disposition.

The complaint alleges that Bishop, the owner of John Paul Builders, stole the money as part of separate construction contracts to build new homes or repair damage to the homes caused by Sandy.

The investigation began after each of the homeowners filed reports stating that they paid bishop, pursuant to their contracts, but that he failed to complete their homes.

The case is being prosecuted by assistant prosecutor Christopher Heisler.

The Brick Township Police Department and Middletown Police Department cooperated in the investigation.

Anyone with information regarding Bishop's whereabouts is asked to contact detective Lindsay Llauget of the Ocean County Prosecutor's Economic Crime Unit at 732-929-2027 extension 3462 or the US Marshals Service by e-mail at Usms.Wanted@usdoj.Gov.

A Texas man has been arrested for theft after Ocean County Prosecutors allege he stole about $75,000.00 entrusted to him by four homeowners to do repair work here at the Jersey Shore, some of which was related to Sandy damages.

Paul Rueda 46, of League City, Texas, was arrested following an investigation conducted by Detective Eric Ludwick of the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office Economic Crimes Unit."

He's been charged with second-degree Theft by Failure to Make Required Disposition of property received.

Rueda, the owner of PKR Construction, allegedly stole the money as part of separate construction contracts.

Three of the homeowners hired Rueda to repair damage to their homes caused by Superstorm Sandy.

The investigation began after reports from each of the homeowners that they paid Rueda pursuant to the contract but that Rueda failed to complete the projects.

The League City Police Department took Rueda into custody and transported him to the Galveston County Jail, where he is being held and awaiting extradition to New Jersey.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Christopher Heisler.